The Quiet Healer: Mandukaparni’s Gift for the Mind and Longevity
As an Ayurveda practitioner, I often notice that some of the most powerful healers in nature are subtle, almost shy. Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), also known as Gotu Kola or Indian pennywort, is one such plant. Its soft, rounded leaves hug the earth, content in the shadows, but its gifts for the mind are anything but small.
In Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana Chapter 4, sloka 50, Mandukaparni is listed alongside herbs like Amrita (Guduchi) and Punarnava as one of the top ten longevity-promoting medicines:
“Amrita, Abhaya, Dhatri, Mukta, Shweta, Jivanti, Atirasa, Mandukaparni, Sthira, and Punarnava—these ten are the guardians of youth.”
Its Sanskrit name even nods to the shape of a frog’s foot, and like a frog, it thrives in damp, shaded places, bringing coolness and calm wherever it grows.
The Gentle Power of Mandukaparni
With a bitter taste and cooling nature, Mandukaparni gently soothes Pitta and quiets excess Vata when combined wisely. It gently invites the system back into balance. I often turn to this herb when working with clients experiencing mental fatigue or anxiety—it helps ease the mind without making it dull. Unlike Brahmi, its close cousin, Mandukaparni carries a stillness that can feel grounding, especially when life gets too fast.
Bringing Mandukaparni Into Your Garden
One of the best parts? It’s incredibly easy to grow. Mandukaparni loves consistently moist soil and partial shade, making it perfect for Bay Area gardens. You can plant it in wide containers, near a pond, or even in hanging baskets. Once it takes hold, it spreads generously—offering not just a harvest, but a sense of companionship.
At our recent CAAM Conference, a local gardener donated Mandukaparni plants to support our fundraising efforts. It felt fitting, given the herb’s quiet generosity.
Take a few fresh Mandukaparni leaves in the morning to receive its full benefit. In Ayurveda, swaras—the fresh juice—is the most potent form. Just a small daily amount can support mental clarity and soothe the nervous system over time. If Vata is elevated, pair it with warming or grounding herbs for balance. This is not a quick fix—it works slowly, cooling the system, settling the mind, and inviting clarity.
By Geetanjali Chakraborty
Geetanjali is a NAMA-certified AD who specializes in leveraging diet and lifestyle as the primary pillars of holistic health. Central to her Ayurvedic philosophy is the idea of harmonizing with one’s natural environment, advocating for the cultivation of personal herbal gardens rooted in local conditions. Beyond functional health benefits. She emphasizes the profound mental well-being gained from nurturing a relationship with healing plants, integrating them as cherished members of one’s family.
